Developed as part of an ethnic heritage studies program, this document provides an historical narrative of Polish Americans in South Bend, Indiana. The document presents background information, beginning with the dating of Polish national existence in 966 when King Mieszko converted to Christianity. Emigrating to America for economic reasons, many Poles began arriving in Indiana around 1850 through 1860. Their subsequent life and cultural development in South Bend is presented. The Polish community retained strong roots and identity to their Polish heritage into the 1960s when a decline in identity ensued. Recent emphasis is on cultural pluralism. (JR)

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